The right to have a name

The national identity card is helping to ensure that children from the Miramar community in Peru have access to their fundamental rights -- like medical care and community programs. Carmen shares how this piece of identification has changed her life -- and the lives of her children.

* * *

The wind hits hard when we walk through the sandy streets of Miramar community, and the fresh breeze from the nearby sea provides comfort. This is the way to Carmen's house.

When we get there, voices of several children greet us. Carmen invites us into a room made of plastic, wood, and rustic materials.

Carmen, a 31-year-old mother, had given birth to her seventh child, Juan, just a few months before.

With a high-risk pregnancy, Carmen asked for governmental health insurance for people who live in poor conditions. The hospital denied her because she lacked a national identity card -- and her husband, without a formal job, was unable to pay for private medical attention.

“He stopped working over a year [ago] in a local business. Now, he works in a neighboring market, carrying packages,” explained Carmen, whose vocational opportunities are limited as well. She was only educated to the first-grade level.

On the day of her baby's delivery, Carmen was moved from the local health center to the hospital, because she needed an urgent surgery. Fortunately, she didn't pay anything because her husband still benefited from the health insurance of his previous job.

It was during this situation that Carmen and her husband understood how important it is to register themselves and their children in the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC).

The only child with a national identity card in this family was Yasmin, a 6-year-old girl sponsored through World Vision. Yasmin had participated in a campaign called “I have the right to my name,” promoted by the RENIEC, the local government, a private university, and World Vision.

World Vision, with volunteers from a local university, advised families on how to obtain their identity card. The local government and World Vision also contributed with radio advertisements and megaphone messages.

“Through this partnering campaign, 1,500 children obtained their national identity card. It was a great effort for the children of Miramar," said Cesar Alva, World Vision's area coordinator.

"This year, we have the challenge that every child who lives in the area must have their own identification and access to many benefits and rights,” added Cesar.

Carmen and her husband agreed to get identity cards for them and their children: David, 13; Viviana, 10; Mateo, 8; Yan Jairo, 4; Rosalinda, 2; and baby Juan.

“Yasmin, in contrast to her siblings, could access to the health insurance; she also attends school and she can participate in the government social programs,” said Carmen.

Many people from Miramar now understand the right to have a name and how it can benefit their children.

Sponsor a child in Peru today.Yasmin's sponsorship helped provide her with access to programs that benefited her entire family. Your support and care for a boy or girl in need will help deliver basics like nutritious food, clean water, healthcare, education, spiritual nurture, and more.